By Staff Reporter
QWAQWA- Police have launched a 72-hour manhunt for suspects linked to the killing of five family members in Marakong near Namahadi in the Eastern Free State.
The acting provincial Commissioner of police in the Free State Major General Solly Lesia has instructed the activation of the 72 hours in tracing the suspects following the murder of five family members in Marakong near Namahadi village in the Eastern Free State on Sunday.
Police spokesperson, Thandi Mbambo, says four bodies were found burnt while one was recovered with a gunshot wound in Marakong village. Only the 11 months old boy survived after allegedly being hit with a knobkerrie and is being treated at a local hospital.
“On April ,4, 2021, at about 03;30, police received a report of people who had burnt inside the house. On arrival the body of a female Moliehi Thoabala ,38, was found lying outside the house with gun wound, another body of her husband Safolo Mofokeng, 36, was found burnt to death in a burnt mud house.”
She said more three more bodies were found in another house.
“In another house, bodies of Relebohile Lemeko, 48 and her daughter Masabata Lemeko 25 and son Tatolo Lemeko 22 were found burnt in a shack. Only Lemeko ‘s 11 months old grandson survived after he was allegedly hit by assailants with a knobkerrie on the nose and is receiving medical attention at a local hospital,” Mbabo said.
According to Mbabo the motive has not been stablished but the case of murder and arson have since been registered for further investigation.
“We are currently following all leads and a team by the district of Thabo Mofutsanyana, Mayor General Jan Tsotetsi has been assigned with the investigation of these cases. It is with this that we request the public to assist with information that may lead to the identification and arrest of the perpetuators. Anyone with information should please contact Detective /Captain Matlakala Mokoena at 0787593154 or crime stop at 08600 10111, alternatively send via my SAPS contact Mayor General Lesia.”
